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= Alien: Romulus =

''Alien: Romulus'' is a 2024 science fiction horror film directed by Fede Álvarez and produced by Ridley Scott. It is the seventh installment in the mainline ''Alien'' film franchise and serves as a standalone story set between the events of the original ''Alien'' (1979) and its sequel, ''Aliens'' (1986). The film marks a return to the series' horror roots, emphasizing suspense, atmosphere, and close-quarters terror.

== Plot Summary ==
Set in the aftermath of corporate colonization efforts, a group of young space colonists scavenges an abandoned orbital station located above a desolate, uninhabited planet. Drawn by the promise of salvage and independence, the crew quickly discovers the ruins of a secret Weyland-Yutani research facility. Inside, they encounter the remnants of horrifying experiments — and an alien organism unlike anything they've seen.

As the xenomorph awakens and begins its hunt, the crew is cut off from escape and forced to survive using only their wits, limited gear, and fractured trust in one another. With communications severed and the station falling apart around them, their fight for survival becomes a descent into primal fear and isolation.

== Cast ==
* '''Cailee Spaeny''' as Rain Carradine – A tough, resourceful survivor with a traumatic past tied to colonial space
* '''Isabela Merced''' as Kay – The youngest of the crew, intelligent and idealistic
* '''David Jonsson''' as Andy – A technician and voice of reason amid chaos
* '''Archie Renaux''' as Tyler – A rebellious scavenger with a distrust of authority
* '''Spike Fearn''' as Bjorn – A sarcastic mechanic hiding deeper fears
* '''Aileen Wu''' as Navarro – A pragmatic leader trying to hold the group together

== Production ==
Development of ''Alien: Romulus'' began in secret under the working title '''Alien: Romulus''', with Fede Álvarez and co-writer Rodo Sayagues crafting a story independent of previous franchise entries. The film was greenlit by 20th Century Studios and filmed in '''Budapest, Hungary''' throughout 2023.

Unlike ''Prometheus'' and ''Alien: Covenant'', which explored the mythos and origins of the xenomorph, ''Romulus'' aims to capture the raw survival horror that defined the original films. The production made extensive use of practical effects and in-camera creature work, echoing the visual style of the 1979 original. Director Álvarez has cited ''Alien'', ''The Thing'', and his own ''Don't Breathe'' as tonal inspirations.

== Reception ==
Although official reviews will be available upon release, early trailers and sneak previews at conventions have generated positive buzz. Fans praised the return to horror, the claustrophobic setting, and the use of practical xenomorph effects. With its fresh cast and isolated setting, the film is being described as a “reset” for the franchise — accessible to newcomers but still faithful to the lore that longtime fans love.

== Related Films ==
* [[Alien (film)|Alien]] (1979)
* [[Aliens]] (1986)
* [[Prometheus (film)|Prometheus]] (2012)
* [[Alien: Covenant]] (2017)

== External Links ==
* [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18411486/ Alien: Romulus on IMDb]
* [https://www.avpcentral.com/alien-romulus-lore Alien: Romulus Overview on AVP Central]

[[Category:Films]]
[[Category:Alien franchise]]
[[Category:Standalone films]]
[[Category:Prequels]]
[[Category:2024 films]]